Architectural Design Competition for Library and Cultural Arts Center This summer

Architectural Design Competition for Library and Cultural Arts Center This summer, an architectural competition is being held between architects for the right to negotiate contracts with Douglas County Libraries and the Town to build the proposed Library and Cultural Arts Center. The proposed site for these facilities was purchased by the Town last year and is located on the south side of Mainstreet, west of Town Hall and the round-a-bout. For a map of this parcel, please visit our website at www.parkeronline.org and click on "Proposed Downtown Parker Library and Cultural Arts Facility" Douglas County Libraries and the Town, contacted thirteen (13) architects that had experience in libraries and cultural art facilities and invited them to submit qualifications to compete in an architectural competition. Seven (7) architectural firms and teams submitted qualifications.

A team of Council Members and Library Board Trustees narrowed down the field to three (3) architects to participate in the competition. They are (in alphabetical order): · Barker, Rinker, Seacat Architecture · Humphries Poli Architects and Semple Brown Design · Sink Combs Dethlefs and Thomas Hacker Architects The competitors will spend this summer developing designs for public comment and final judging. Architect submittals are due Aug. 1. Submittal boards from the architects will be displayed in Town Hall and the Parker Library in August.

The architects will make public presentations on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 20120 E. Mainstreet. The architects, Town and Library staff will be on hand to answer questions. Light snacks will be served. The Town and Douglas County Libraries are excited these projects continue to move from concept to reality. We look forward to the public's comments and participation in the architectural competition, and the opportunity to maintain our high quality of life in the Parker area.